After taking a check-swing in the first inning of Thursday’s series-opener against the Chicago Cubs, Yunel Escobar left the game with discomfort in his right wrist.
X-rays on the wrist came back negative after the game.
“We’ll evaluate [Friday] and see where he’s at,” manager Matt Williams said after the game. “They took an X-ray and he’s fine. There’s no issue there, he just tweaked it.”
Escobar was sidelined for a large portion of spring training because of an oblique strain, and he missed two games in mid-April with a strained groin. He does not have a history of serious right wrist injuries.
Although Williams doesn’t seem apprehensive about Escobar’s latest injury, it’s been difficult for the Nationals to get their desired infield in place this season. With Anthony Rendon making his season debut Thursday, Washington had finally fielded a complete lineup. Then Escobar made a premature exit.
The injury sent Rendon to third base as Danny Espinosa took over at second. Although Rendon didn’t anticipate to play third, he said it was a smooth transition.
SEE ALSO: Nationals can’t muster much offense in 2-1 loss to the Cubs
“I guess I’m fortunate enough to be able to move positions around like that,” Rendon said, “so I guess that’s a good thing.”
Rendon also produced two hits at the plate, including a single in his first at-bat of the season and a double in the sixth. He was left standing at the plate at the end of the game, when Cubs catcher David Ross picked off Clint Robinson, who had taken too large of a lead, at first base.
• Andrew Walsh can be reached at awalsh@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.